tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975Tue, 07 Oct 2014 02:31:42 +0000nDowd's Brews Notebook<b>William M. Dowd reports and comments on brewed beverages (From <a href="http://billdowd.com">Dowd's Guides</a>)</b>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)Blogger474125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-6544509753096087279Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:15:00 +00002012-10-07T07:15:46.744-07:00This site on hiatus.http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/this-site-on-hiatus.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-8868324159659553715Sat, 07 Jul 2012 19:12:00 +00002012-07-07T12:15:21.143-07:00Push resumes for KY election-day alcohol sales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5BuiBL4Ycw/T_iI66dQoAI/AAAAAAAAMVo/KNn-whsstmU/s1600/Legislation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5BuiBL4Ycw/T_iI66dQoAI/AAAAAAAAMVo/KNn-whsstmU/s1600/Legislation.jpg" /></a></div>•<i> From NKY.com</i><br /><br />FRANKFORT, KY -- A proposed law would allow Kentuckians to buy alcohol on election day for the first time since at least the 1930s.<br /><br />State Rep. Arnold Simpson, D-Covington, next week will discuss before lawmakers in Frankfort a bill he’s tried to get passed in some form or another for four years to make alcohol sales legal on election day.<br /><br />Kentucky is one of only two states that still bans alcohol on election days, with South Carolina being the other, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). The laws trace back to the early 20th Century when saloons also served as polling places. ...<br /><br />The state doesn’t need to worry as much about people buying votes with liquor but does need to worry about the loss of both tax revenue for the state and business revenue for restaurants and liquor stores, said Simpson. "Most jurisdictions have done away with this prohibition. We need every dollar in taxes we can generate and permit businesses to work.”<br /><br />The Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control does spot checks on the primary and general election days to ensure businesses are compliant, said spokesman Nathan Jones. The state law bans alcohol sales on the days of the primary and general elections when the polls are open. It also requires businesses to keep alcohol under lock and key. ...<br /><br />Simpson will speak before the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations on Friday, July 13 ... . <br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>The bill has died in committee each of the previous four sessions.<br /><br />http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/07/from-nky.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-4043400512910495345Tue, 19 Jun 2012 23:23:00 +00002012-07-07T12:14:30.845-07:00MA partners making beer-based whiskies<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/06/Picture-16.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-12250" height="198" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/06/Picture-16-300x198.png" title="Picture 16" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Berkshire's spirits line.</b></td></tr></tbody></table>Two Massachusetts adult beverage makers are teaming up to create a pair of craft beer-based whiskies.<br /><br />Berkshire Mountain Distillers Inc., located in Great Barrington, and the Boston Beer Company, brewer of Samuel Adams, on Monday announced their collaboration in a multi-year project.<br /><br />The two brews -- Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Samuel Adams Cinder Bock -- will be triple distilled in Great Barrington, then barrel-aged in wood. The collaboraters said because whiskey aging is a very complex and multi-faceted process it is difficult to pinpoint an exact release date. The projected timeline is for 2015.<br /><br />Representatives of both companies tasted several beer styles and their distilled products from trial distillations before deciding which Samuel Adams brews to use. The two brews have markedly different taste profiles. The hopes are to create two whiskies just as different from each other.<br /><br />"There are many parallels between making spirits and brewing beer," said Jim Koch, founder of Boston Brewing. "Marrying the two not only makes sense, but will also produce a drink that beer- and spirits-lovers alike can enjoy."<br /><br />Berkshire Mountain Distillers was created in 2007. It produces Greylock Gin, Ethereal Gins, Ragged Mountain Rum, Ice Glen Vodka, Berkshire Bourbon and New England Corn Whiskey in the Berkshires' first legal distillery since Prohibition.<br /><br />The Boston Beer Company was founded in 1984 and has become an iconic craft brewing brand. It brews more than 50 styles of beer.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/06/ma-partners-making-beer-based-whiskies.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-3435789218788915803Sat, 09 Jun 2012 20:44:00 +00002012-06-19T16:23:41.345-07:00Drinking scene rejiggered in Kansas<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u6PJHoJwlTk/T9O0gseC9OI/AAAAAAAAMBc/Hg8gN1wUwwg/s1600/Legislation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u6PJHoJwlTk/T9O0gseC9OI/AAAAAAAAMBc/Hg8gN1wUwwg/s200/Legislation.jpg" width="150" /></a> TOPEKA, KS -- The Jayhawk State's drinking scene is in the midst of major changes.<br /><br />Under a bill signed into law by Governor Sam Brownback, changes effective July 1 include:<br /><br />• Liquor stores will be allowed to offer free wine, beer and liquor tastings as of Sunday, July 1.<br /><br />• Dinner railway cars can obtain a liquor license. State Rep. TerriLois Gregory, R-Baldwin City, said the measure was aimed at luring a Nebraska dinner train business to operate between Baldwin City and Ottawa.<br /><br />• Drinking establishments may offer "happy hour” specials. Previously, could offer special drink prices, but those charges had to last all day.<br /><br />• Micro-distilleries will be allowed to to sell and serve their products on their premises.<br /><br />Another provision of the law, that went into effect on May 31, allows visitors at wine tasting festivals to taste samples and buy bottles of those same wines at the event. Previously, wine tasting visitors had to go to the individual wineries to purchase those same wines.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/06/drinking-scene-rejiggered-in-kansas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-6343302621264919732Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:43:00 +00002012-06-09T13:44:24.923-07:00BeerTender means draft beer at home<a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/04/Picture-14.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-11906" height="277" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/04/Picture-14.png" title="Picture 14" width="217" /></a>Local temperatures may still be bouncing around erratically, but the calendar says it's spring and we're nearing the outdoor dining season.<br /><br />Going outside, however, doesn't mean you have to give up cold draft beer or settle for purchasing a half-keg or keg. Take this item from Krups, better known for its coffee making equipment.<br /><br />The Krups BeerTender keeps beer at 37.4°F, an optimal drinking temperature in the minds of most people. The appliance is designed for indoor use, but the drafts can quickly be delivered outside.<br /><br />The BeerTender is compatible with Heineken, Heineken Premium Light and Newcastle Brown Ale. It features an LED temperature indicator, and keeps the beer for up to 30 days after tapping. It also has a removable tap, a nice security feature to prevent underage would-be drinkers from sneaking a glass.<br /><br />A package, priced at $149.99, includes the BeerTender, a large stainless steel drip tray and five draught tubes. It's available <a href="http://krupsonlinestore.com/product_detail.asp?T1=KRU+B100&amp;SELECT=%20&amp;SKW=krubeer&amp;MENU=beertender">online</a> or at major stores' appliance departments, such as Macy's.&nbsp;<b></b><br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/04/beertender-means-draft-beer-at-home.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-2781999852718703504Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:28:00 +00002012-03-20T13:29:10.277-07:00Table-top beer taps a growing trend<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://drinkingny.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/table-top-beer-taps-a-growing-trend/picture-10-25/" rel="attachment wp-att-8140" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-8140" height="199" src="http://drinkingny.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/picture-10.png" title="Picture 10" width="284" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several types of table taps.</td></tr></tbody></table>• <i>From Nation's Restaurant News</i><br /><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">Personal beer taps installed at restaurant tables not only brew up excitement for guests, but they also are helping boost beer tabs, operators say.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">In addition, the pay-per-ounce dispensers encourage guests to linger longer rather than bar-hop, while allowing managers to monitor guests’ drinking and remain compliant with liquor laws.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">Rob McGovern, general manager of Park Avenue Tavern in New York, said the restaurant’s six booths equipped with table taps make the operation’s lower level a popular private-party space and after-work spot.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">“People really like the novelty,” he said. “They’re pretty wide-eyed when they see it.”</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">... Much of the activity in pay-per-ounce alcohol technology centers on on-table beer taps at casual restaurants. According to advocacy group The Beer Institute, beer sales at restaurants rose 9% in 2011 to $23.6 billion, accounting for about 24% of total beer sales in the United States.<br /><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">At Park Avenue Tavern, the 50-cents-per-ounce price gives the restaurant a premium -- a pint of beer suddenly costs $8 -- and helps cut down on waste, McGovern said.</div><br /><b>[Go <a href="http://nrn.com/article/tapping-new-opportunity#ixzz1pgryQUPk">here</a> for the full article.]</b><br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/03/table-top-beer-taps-growing-trend.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-8601836918914758114Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:45:00 +00002012-03-14T12:46:42.309-07:00Double-click to check out calories and carbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUDvjYYPC_E/T2D1NdHtqHI/AAAAAAAALIY/-L8jE2X8ZjQ/s1600/HellaWella_Beeramid_Infographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUDvjYYPC_E/T2D1NdHtqHI/AAAAAAAALIY/-L8jE2X8ZjQ/s640/HellaWella_Beeramid_Infographic.jpg" width="421" /></a></div>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-post.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-4917278136688537032Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:35:00 +00002012-03-09T11:37:34.399-08:00Tempers flare over Genesee Brewing project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eDv0U4LEw4/T1pbQgbOAbI/AAAAAAAAK_8/k-3uieDcIK4/s1600/Picture+24.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8eDv0U4LEw4/T1pbQgbOAbI/AAAAAAAAK_8/k-3uieDcIK4/s320/Picture+24.png" width="320" /></a></div>•&nbsp;<i>From democratandchronicle.com</i><br /><br />ROCHESTER -- A group of Genesee Brewing Co. executives, labor leaders and city officials stood in November inside a partly boarded-up industrial building, saying that by April it would be home to a $2.6 million combination microbrewery, restaurant, visitor center and gift shop.<br /><br />That scuffed building remains in the same state four months later. And Genesee’s owner, North American Breweries, is saying it may pull the plug on its plans.<br /><br />" 'Threatening' is not the right word," North American Breweries CEO Rich Lozyniak said Thursday during a news conference, a day after Rochester’s Preservation Board voted to nominate 13 Cataract St. for landmark designation. North American’s brewery plans include demolition of 13 Cataract.<br /><br />"We want to do this really badly," Lozyniak said, "but if we’re going to spend the next year in court, two years in court, we have much better opportunities within our company to invest."<br /><br />The Preservation Board decision was made without discussion. But afterward, the board said the century-old Cataract building fits the criteria for landmark consideration.<br /><br /><b>[Complete story <a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20120308/BUSINESS/303080028/Gensee-Brewing-preservation?odyssey=nav%7Chead">here</a>.]</b><br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/03/tempers-flare-over-gennessee-brewing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-5099823242992386445Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:34:00 +00002012-03-09T09:34:56.123-08:00Coor to try iced non-tea in UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--I4tNFjZFaI/T1o-6HyaaSI/AAAAAAAAK_c/7bu7Z26kHsA/s1600/Picture%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--I4tNFjZFaI/T1o-6HyaaSI/AAAAAAAAK_c/7bu7Z26kHsA/s200/Picture%2B12.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>We're several centuries away from dependence on Great Britain, but that doesn't mean we don't look to them for guidance in some things. At least, Denver-based Molson Coors is.<br /><br />The brewing company is about to introduce an iced tea-flavored beer to the Brit market to see it it meets consumer acceptance before trying it in the United States. <br /><br />It's a daring move, but a necessary one since the company's UK sales have been in a three-year decline.<br /><br />Coors Light Iced T, according to the UK business publication <i>Daily Finance</i>, will sold in aluminum cans similar to conventional Coors Light. It will have an alcohol content of about 4%. It will contain no caffeine and thus, no actual tea, just tea flavor. Given UK history, that seems like sacrilege of some sort.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/03/coor-to-try-iced-non-tea-in-uk.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-5990506288653087016Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:12:00 +00002012-03-08T10:13:08.204-08:00Changes for Farm Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries<a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/03/Legislation1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-11614" height="150" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/03/Legislation1.jpg" title="Legislation" width="150" /></a> ALBANY -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo may not be the poster boy for grocery stores that would like to be able to sell wine, something he has dismissed out of hand, but he may have won some friends among the state's craft brewers, winemakers and distillers.<br /><br />Cuomo today proposed legislation that would create a "Farm Brewery" license. It would allow craft brewers who use products grown in the state to operate in a similar fashion to the state's wineries which have flourished under the 1976 Farm Winery Bill, leading to increased demand for locally-grown farm products as well as expanded economic development and tourism.<br /><br />He also proposed legislation to exempt Farm Wineries and Farm Distilleries from the current costly tax filing requirement.<br /><br />"These bills provide a boost for breweries, farmers, wineries, and communities across New York State," Cuomo said. "This legislation will give our state's growing craft beer industry the tools needed to create jobs, promote agriculture, and encourage environmentally friendly economic development across New York State."<br /><br />His bill to promote the economic growth of the craft brewery industry includes:<br /><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><b>Increasing Retail Outlets for New York Products:</b> The legislation would allow Farm Breweries to sell New York State-labeled wine at their retail outlets. In addition, Farm Wineries would be permitted to sell New York State-labeled beer for off-premises consumption.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><b>Allowing Farm Breweries to Open Restaurants: </b>The legislation would allow Farm Breweries to obtain licenses to operate restaurants, conference centers, inns, bed and breakfasts or hotels on or adjacent to the farm brewery.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><b>Increasing Tastings: </b>The legislation would allow both Farm Breweries and Farm Wineries to conduct tastings of New York State-produced beer and wine at their premises.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><b>Selling Related Products: </b>The legislation would allow Farm Breweries to sell beer making equipment and supplies, food complementing beer and wine, souvenir items, and additional products similar to those allowed under the Farm Winery statute.</div><br />To hold a Farm Brewery license, a producer's beer must be made primarily from locally-grown farm products. Until the end of 2017, at least 20% of the hops and 40% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in the state. From January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, no less than 60% of the hops and 75% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in the state. After January 1, 2023, no less than 90% of the hops and 90% of all other ingredients must be grown or produced in the state.<br /><br />The beer manufactured under these guidelines would be designated a "New York State labeled beer." The legislation is modeled after the 1976 "Farm Winery Act," which spurred the growth of wine production in the state, including the creation of 237 farm wineries and tripling the number of wineries, which in total now have hit the 316 mark.<br /><br />Also today, the governor proposed exemptions for Farm Wineries and Farm Distilleries from a costly and burdensome tax filing requirement. Currently, all beer, wine, and liquor wholesalers in the state are required to report sales made to restaurants, bars, and other retailers. However, because Farm Wineries and Farm Distilleries are small, often family-owned operations, they have struggled to afford the costs of complying with this annual reporting.<br /><br />According to the Governor's Office, "The burden imposed on them by this filing requirement outweighs the benefit received by the State Tax Department, as purchases from Farm Wineries and Farm Distilleries account for a very small percentage of the state's total beer and wine sales. These businesses are already required by law to maintain sales records which the Tax Department may obtain upon request, making the additional mandatory filing requirement not necessary."<br /><br />Here is some of the pertinent reactions to the proposals:<br /><br />• Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau president: "We've seen tremendous growth opportunities for our farmers from alcoholic beverage license categories that are specifically linked to locally produced farm goods – from the growth of farm wineries to the relatively recent trend of farm distilleries. This is an opportunity for local farmers to bring New York back to being the premier hops growing state that we once were, creating added value markets and new jobs in our State."<br /><br />• Dennis Rosen, State Liquor Authority chairman: "This legislation will provide a significant benefit to local farmers, by helping to create a sustained demand for their products. Ultimately, by providing incentives for farm breweries to expand, these businesses will become, much like farm wineries, destination locations that will promote economic development and tourism within their communities. This bill will boost agriculture and breweries, as well as create jobs and increased economic development across New York."<br /><br />• Darrel Aubertine, Department of Agriculture and Markets commissioner: "This bill will exempt Farm Wineries and Farm Distilleries from burdensome tax filing requirements that have hurt small business here in New York. Our Farm wineries and Farm distilleries are small, often family owned operations, and they have struggled to afford the costs of complying with this annual reporting. Governor Cuomo has made opening New York State to business a top priority of his administration, and this bill will help cut burdensome costs that have been imposed on small farm wineries and distilleries. New York's craft brewery and farm winery industry is an important part of our economy, supporting jobs and tourism across the state, and I look forward to working together to make sure this legislation becomes law."<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/03/albany-governor-andrew-m.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-6666148958742602178Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:03:00 +00002012-02-20T13:05:29.571-08:00What do these beers have in common?<a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/02/Picture-15.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11428" height="530" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/02/Picture-15.png" title="Picture 1" width="601" /></a><br /><br />They are part of the lineup <i>Esquire</i> magazine has designated the "Healthiest Beer to Drink." Go <a href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/food-and-drink/healthiest-beer#slide-1">here</a> for the details.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-do-these-beers-have-in-common.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-8464249505417426105Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:15:00 +00002012-02-20T13:05:43.914-08:00A fantastic beer ad<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eH3GH7Pn_eA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/fantastic-beer-ad.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-5662279868235439679Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:02:00 +00002012-01-19T14:03:18.080-08:00NY seeking a comeback for hops growers<a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/01/Picture-9.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-10903" height="221" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/01/Picture-9.png" title="Picture 9" width="284" /></a>ALBANY, NY -- A bill to help resuscitate the hops growing industry in New York has passed an important step in committee.<br /><br />S.5078, a bill sponsored by State Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida), on Wednesday made it through the New York State Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business.<br /><br />The bill requires that a large percentage of the hops and other ingredients used to brew beer at a farm brewery be purchased within the state. At one time, that was a given practice since in the late 19th Century abut 90% of the nation's supply of domestic hops was grown in New York. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further review. A companion bill is carried by Agriculture Committee Chairman Bill Magee in the State Assembly.<br /><br />A sharp increase in recent years in the number of small breweries in New York, with even more in the process of development n such places as Saratoga and Schoharie counties, has given rise to a call for more locally-grown hops. A tangible piece of evidence of that demand came when the Northeast Hop Alliance held its convention and seminar in Troy,NY, <a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/ne-hops-alliance-gathering-in-troy/9730/">back in November</a>.<br /><br />According to the New York Farm Bureau, the agriculture and beer industries in New York already are major job creating engines, contributing more than $4.7 and $1.2 billion into our economy each year, respectively.<br /><br />“This bill represents a true win-win,” said Julie Suarez, director of public policy for New York Farm Bureau. “The licensing provisions will allow a farm brewer to bottle and sell their products on or off premises and in the wholesale or retail markets. This opens up new and exciting opportunities for farmers to enter the craft beer business and to increase farm related tourism. At the same time, the provisions that require farm brewers to use an escalating percentage of locally grown hops, will stimulate new opportunities for growers. Hop barns once dotted New York’s landscape, and if this bill is enacted, they will again.”<br /><br />"This legislation is a real victory for the agricultural community and small businesses. In addition to providing new opportunities for farmers through increasing demand for local products used in beer production, it will stimulate agri-tourism much like we’ve seen with farm wineries in New York, and has the potential to create new jobs," said Valesky, the Senate sponsor.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/01/ny-seeking-comeback-for-hops-growers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-2644194883997424043Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:26:00 +00002012-01-19T13:31:07.843-08:00Fueling up has new meaning at Sunoco<a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/01/Picture-81.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10882" height="148" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2012/01/Picture-81-300x222.png" title="Picture 8" width="200" /></a>Sunoco is in the process of expanding its "Craft Beer Exchange" program at its APlus convenience stores across the state.<br /><br />I first reported on the program last summer back when it began as a pilot program in the Buffalo market. (Details <a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/craft-beer-exchange-at-buffalo-convenience-stores/8309/">here</a>.) Now, it has been expanded to the Albany, Syracuse and Rochester markets.<br /><br />It offers a rotating selection of up to 12 craft beers available to-go in 64-ounce growlers. Customers also can create their own six-packs from a range of 12-ounce single bottles for $9.99. Selections change seasonally and include beers from such microbreweries as Long Trail, Ithaca, Victory, Flying Bison, Troegs, Red Hook, Smuttynose and Brooklyn.<br /><br />A complete tap list for all the 50 or so locations across the state is available <a href="http://www.craftbeerexchange.wordpress.com/">online</a>.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/01/fueling-up-has-new-meaning-at-sunoco.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-1073351619748599813Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:41:00 +00002012-01-09T12:23:50.354-08:00Happy birthday, dear Guinness ...<div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLtEWHN29rA/Tv9zyrfZV5I/AAAAAAAAKzs/wviDFPAtBYo/s1600/Arthur+Guinness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLtEWHN29rA/Tv9zyrfZV5I/AAAAAAAAKzs/wviDFPAtBYo/s200/Arthur+Guinness.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arthur Guinness</td></tr></tbody></table>Pssst. See that guy over there on the right? He's responsible for the Irish government's major income stream, something more important than ever now that the economic chaos that has roiled around the world has hit Ireland a rollicking good thwack.<br /><br />Today is the 252nd anniversary of the founding of the iconic Guinness Brewery at St. James's Gate in Dublin by that fella, a man by the name of Arthur Guinness. At one time, it was the largest brewery in the world.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOzfj7IfzDw/Tv9z5fJ1XzI/AAAAAAAAKz4/Ud08qGaC3dE/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOzfj7IfzDw/Tv9z5fJ1XzI/AAAAAAAAKz4/Ud08qGaC3dE/s200/Picture+4.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guinness Brewery<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Travelpod photo)</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Guinness leased the property for a term of up to 9,000 (no kidding) years at an annual rent of £45 per year. That means the lease will come up for renewal in the year 10759 A.D.<br /><br />The adjacent Guinness Storehouse is Dublin's No. 1 tourist attraction. The converted brewing factory is a seven-story Guinness museum, the topmost of which is home to the Gravity Bar, where visitors can get a free pint of "the black stuff," as the dark Guinness stout is known.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-birthday-dear-guinness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-848447443089442756Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:32:00 +00002011-12-30T13:41:48.533-08:00Even in death, Grandpa was a good host<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2011/12/Picture-12.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-10623" height="230" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2011/12/Picture-12.png" title="Picture 12" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A drawing of St. Ansegisel</td></tr></tbody></table>I've been researching and writing my family history off and on for several decades. As more and records, documents, church archives and the like are put online, it has become less tedious to reach back many generations to see my roots.<br /><br />I recently discovered that one Saint Ansegisel, the Bishop of Metz, France, was my 30th great grandfather on my mother's side of the family tree. He lived from 582 to 641 A.D. He also was known as Arnulf, or Arnold in English.<br /><br />He earned a mention in this column because of one of the legends/miracles attributed to him, "The Legend of the Beer Mug." The story goes that on an extremely hot day in July 642, after Arnold died at the Abbey of Remiremont where he moved after his retirement, the parishioners from Metz showed up to claim his remains.<br /><br />"They had little to drink and the terrain was inhospitable," says the story. "At the point when the exhausted procession was about to leave ... one of the parishioners, Duc Notto, prayed, 'By his powerful intercession the Blessed Arnold will bring us what we lack.' Immediately the small remnant of beer at the bottom of a pot multiplied in such amounts that the pilgrims' thirst was quenched and they had enough to enjoy the next evening when they arrived in Metz."<br /><br />And, that's why he became a patron saint of brewers. Not a bad miracle to have in the family archives.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/even-in-death-grandpa-was-good-host.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-7451103583380336682Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:27:00 +00002011-12-27T15:29:11.123-08:00Study: Draw one, mix one for health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9RFjXiCb60/TvpT-J2HpUI/AAAAAAAAKyY/1eQcO4DwTLY/s1600/Picture%2B19.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9RFjXiCb60/TvpT-J2HpUI/AAAAAAAAKyY/1eQcO4DwTLY/s200/Picture%2B19.png" width="198" /></a></div>We've been trying to keep up with the regular stream of studies suggesting wine has all sorts of magical, mystical medicinal properties that will lead to better health, longer life, etc. Now, brews and spirits are getting some extra support.<br /><br />A two-decade study published in the January issue of <i>The Journal of Studies On Alcohol and Drugs</i> reports on connections between the moderate consumption of all types of alcohol and increased longevity. <br /><br />It also supports the findings of prior studies that wine has more beneficial effects than any other alcoholic drinks. However, in a twist that always seems to pop up in any study, researchers said that may because the people who choose wine tend to be more naturally healthy anyway. Go figure.<br /><br />The study of 802 men and women ages 55 to 65. Of that number, 281 "low wine drinkers" consumed less than one-third of their alcohol intake from wine, 176 "high wine drinkers" consumed two-thirds or more as wine, and 345 abstainers. The drinkers had one to two drinks per day, and researchers followed them for 20 years. <br /><br />Among the findings: Wine drinkers lived longer than abstainers, and high-wine drinkers lived longer than low-wine drinkers.<br /><br />Charles Holahan, a psychologist at the University of Texas and lead author of the article, said there may be benefits for older moderate drinkers no matter what kind of alcohol they consume. But, he cautioned, "The study does not encourage initiating wine consumption as a pathway to better health."<br /><br />Ya gotta love those disclaimers.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/stidy-draw-one-mix-one-for-health.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-9081333592621623246Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:42:00 +00002011-12-16T09:42:31.569-08:00Barrel-aged beers gaining in Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-L5xpD-IXM/TuuCzLlzoEI/AAAAAAAAKuk/pQxeHJKZSD8/s1600/Picture%2B9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-L5xpD-IXM/TuuCzLlzoEI/AAAAAAAAKuk/pQxeHJKZSD8/s200/Picture%2B9.png" width="162" /></a></div>• <i>From the Montreal Gazette</i><br /><br />MONTREAL, Canada -- On the short list of things that get better with age, beer is not generally included. But with all the talk of oak-aging, vintages and grand crus in the brewery scene these days, it’s starting to sound a lot like wine or whisky. Beer that’s designed to be aged -- whether for months in bourbon barrels or for years in the bottle -- is in high demand this holiday season.<br /><br />With the rise of the craft movement, sophistication among beer consumers has been growing, and with it the market for artisanal production. In the last few years, brewers around the world have begun taking a page from history, and experimenting with premium products aged in barrels. <br /><br />Examples range from Innis &amp; Gunn in Scotland, which uses Highland scotch, rum and Irish whiskey casks for its line, to Belgium’s formidable Cantillon brewery, which produces a rare and traditional oak-aged lambic called Bruocsella Grand Cru, to Sam Adams, the Boston-based label, which launched its Barrel Room collection a couple of years ago. With its active microbrewery scene, Quebec is right in the thick of things, reaping awards for innovative beers that make use of barrels that once contained Kentucky bourbon, white wine and apple brandy.<br /><br /><b>[Go <a href="http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Barrel+matured+beer+comes/5853297/story.html">here</a> for the full story.]</b><br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/barrel-aged-beers-gaining-in-canada.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-1257637320342853068Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:03:00 +00002011-12-15T13:04:01.635-08:00Some funny beer commercials<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QBSF7CgirIw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/some-funny-beer-commercials.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-2383046435414104188Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:41:00 +00002012-01-09T12:25:07.595-08:00Schumer pushes 'I Love NY Brew' campaign<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2011/12/Picture-53.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10421" height="227" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2011/12/Picture-53-300x227.png" title="Picture 5" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schumer at Brown's Brewing in Troy in February.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />(Archival photo)</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Earlier this year, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer toured a series of Upstate New York breweries to display his support of the industry. On Wednesday, he took the lead role in announcing creation of his “I Love NY Brew” campaign.<br /><br />The campaign was created, says Schumer, to place more locally-brewed beer in restaurants, bars and store shelves around the state.<br /><br />In a letter to the National Association of Convenience Stores and Fuel Retailing and to the New York State Restaurant Association, Schumer urged both associations to offer more beer brewed at the 77 micro-breweries, regional craft breweries, and brewpubs across the state that supports what the senator says is "nearly 60,000 New York jobs."<br /><br />“Craft breweries have catapulted New York to the top shelf of beer states," the statement said, "and our beers are more than ready for prime time. Whether you are searching for a six-pack at your local 7-Eleven or grabbing Buffalo wings with a beer after work, you should have a wide assortment of locally brewed beers to choose from. I’m strongly urging New York restaurants, bars and convenience stores alike across the state to take a close look at New York’s beers, and consider putting them on their shelves or on their menu. It would be a win-win, both for those selling the beer, and for the breweries making it.”<br /><br />David Katleski, president of the New York State Brewers Association, chimed in, noting, “The growth of the craft brewing industry in New York State is tremendous. Continued growth will greatly contribute to the number of jobs, tax dollars, and economic benefit to New York. Of all the beer sold in New York State, New York craft beer currently represents a 7.5% market share. One can only imagine the economic impact to our state if craft beer sales here reflected that of craft beer sales in Oregon, where they’re 30%.”<br /><br />Schumer is asking the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) to encourage member restaurants to offer locally-brewed beer on their menu. In addition to getting more beers into restaurants close to where it is brewed, Schumer will be pushing the New York City members of the NYSRA to consider offering beers brewed across Upstate New York and Long Island. While some beers like Genesee and Saranac have gained popularity in the downstate market, Schumer and New York brewers believe this market is vastly underutilized and represents the chance to dramatically grow craft brewing across the state.<br /><br />Here is Schumer’s breakdown of local brewing businesses and their production levels by region:<br /><br /><div style="padding-left: 30px;">• In the Capital Region, six breweries brewed 4,922 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open two new breweries.<br /><br />• In Central New York, six breweries brewed 287,883 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open three new breweries.<br /><br />• In the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, four breweries brewed 511,063 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open three new breweries.<br /><br />• In the Southern Tier, 11 breweries brewed 42,279 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open seven new breweries.<br /><br />• In Western New York, four breweries brewed 31,349 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open two new breweries.<br /><br />• In the Hudson Valley, seven breweries brewed 11,895 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open seven new breweries.<br /><br />• In the North Country, five breweries brewed 8,728 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open at least one new brewery.<br /><br />• In the New York City, five breweries brewed 132,073 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open nine new breweries.<br /><br />• On Long Island, 10 breweries brewed 54,122 barrels of beer last year, and there are plans to open five new breweries.</div><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/schumer-pushes-i-love-ny-brew-campaign.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-8013611388307447347Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:30:00 +00002011-12-10T15:32:18.134-08:00Smuttynose Brewery expanding in NH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HQLaGR6lqg/TuPrnnU_nbI/AAAAAAAAKtE/p0Y7ghg1Y2I/s1600/Picture%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HQLaGR6lqg/TuPrnnU_nbI/AAAAAAAAKtE/p0Y7ghg1Y2I/s320/Picture%2B3.png" width="91" /></a></div>•&nbsp;<i>From seacoastonline.com</i><br /><br />HAMPTON, NH -- The moving of an old farmhouse this week on a 14-acre property on Towle Farm Road signaled the official start to the construction of a new $16 million Smuttynose Brewery and restaurant.<br /><br />Smuttynose owner Peter Egelston said the farmhouse is being moved 40 yards east to make room for the new 42,000-square-foot brewing facility. Building will begin in spring 2012.<br /><br />"We will be jumping into this full force in the spring time, and we hope to be moving into a new brewery by the summer of 2013," Egelston said. "What we are doing now is getting a little bit of a head start before the winter sets in, as we all know it will."<br /><br />Crews are working this week to jack up the farmhouse, raise it from its foundation and roll it to its new location.<br /><br /><b>[Go <a href="http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20111209-NEWS-112090372">here</a> for the full story and photos.]</b><br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/smuttynose-brewery-expanding-in-nh.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-8871189517923354615Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:56:00 +00002012-01-09T12:24:29.341-08:00Texas brewmaster headed back to PA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_idlYwkc9AhE/RcJ-PwiYy8I/AAAAAAAAALM/igiWZNqN1MI/s1600-h/JaimeJurado.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026718943291165634" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_idlYwkc9AhE/RcJ-PwiYy8I/AAAAAAAAALM/igiWZNqN1MI/s320/JaimeJurado.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jaime Jurado <span style="font-size: xx-small;">&nbsp;</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(William M. Dowd photo)</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>JENKINS TOWNSHIP, PA -- Jaime Jurado is headed back to Pennsylvania.<br /><br />Jurado, who had been the master brewer at the Lion Brewery in Wilkes-Barre from 1985-91, is joining the startup Susquehanna Brewing Company, located at 635 South Main Street in this community northeast of Wilkes-Barre.<br /><br />The site is the former warehouse of United Beverage, the wholesale beer distributor.<br /><br />Since his Wilkes-Barre days, Jurado has developed a reputation as one of the nation's top brewmasters while he plied his trade in San Antonio, TX, where I first met him, with the Gambrinus Company. (See "<a href="http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2007/02/beer-dinner-in-texas-hill-country.html">Beer Dinner in the Texas Hill Country</a>.")<br /><br />Jurado has been director of brewing operations at Gambrinus since 1997. His new gig becomes official on January 1, 2012, as operations manager and master brewer.<br /><br />Gambrinus is the sixth-largest beer company in the nation. Its portfolio includes the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, TX, the Bridgeport Brewing Company in Portland, OR, and Trumer Brauerei of Berkeley, CA. <br /><br />The new Susquehanna brewery was founded by Ed Maier, great-great-grandson of Pennsylvania brewing icon <a href="http://www.oldbeerstuff.com/steg.html">Charles Stegmaier</a>, son Fred Maier and partner Mark Nobile. Their initial investment in the craft brewery will be $8 million to $10 million, they said. The German firm BraKon GmbH is the designer and builder of the brewhouse. Plans are to produce four or five year-round beer brands as well as seasonal beers.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/11/texas-brewmaster-headed-back-to-pa.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-3480466879127401356Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:51:00 +00002011-11-20T11:53:32.253-08:00Resurgent Genesee eyes restaurant next<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzrNmO2qcMg/TslZ23o-VwI/AAAAAAAAKm8/x6b0rFipcis/s1600/Picture%2B12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WzrNmO2qcMg/TslZ23o-VwI/AAAAAAAAKm8/x6b0rFipcis/s320/Picture%2B12.png" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A vintage print ad.</b></td></tr></tbody></table>ROCHESTER, NY -- The <a href="http://www.geneseebeer.com/">Genesee Brewing Company</a> has a long and storied history. It also has received a $20 million investment in upgrades over the past two years by its comparatively new owner, North American Breweries.<br /><br />So, what next? How about a place to dine?<br /><br />The company, established in 1878, has decided to convert one unused building on its manufacturing to a two-story bar/restaurant and visitors center to be called the Genesee Brew House.<br /><br />The $2.6 million project would also see demolition of a cluster of two other unused buildings at the St. Paul Street site, according to a report from WHEC-TV.<br /><br />Rich Lozyniak, CEO of North American Breweries, said that while North American has invested heavily in the once-struggling brewery, that spending has largely been on efficiency and product quality upgrades and the Genesee Brew House project would be the first "serious investment in connection with our consumers."<br /><br />Under North American, Genesee has returned to its roots with its iconic “glass can,” the stubby bottle it made famous decades ago.<br /><br />It recently released the Genesee Heritage Collection, a limited-edition pack featuring Genesee Beer, Genesee Cream Ale and 12 Horse Ale. The latter is the brewery’s most requested legacy beer. It was first brewed in 1933 after the repeal of Prohibition. It has not been brewed for years.<br /><br />“We’re seeing all generations responding to the nostalgia and tradition,” said Janine Schoos, brand manager. “Genesee is taking off all over the country. We hope to be where we were back in the ‘80s when we were synonymous with good times and great American traditions.”<br /><br />Genesee Cream Ale, also in the Heritage Collection, was first brewed in 1960 and has won numerous awards, including two gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. All three beers in the Heritage Collection are embossed with a signature letter “G” for Genesee, and adorned with classic labels reminiscent of the packaging used at the height of the beers’ popularity.<br /><br />The Genesee family of beers has the highest growth rate among the Top 10 selling brand families in its category between 2010 and 2011.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/11/resurging-genesee-eyes-restaurant-next.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-4997779008539470383Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:17:00 +00002011-11-19T12:27:15.633-08:00Insider research: Spirits are kicking beer's butt<i>Frank Coleman, vice president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (<a href="http://www.discus.org/">DISCUS</a>), passed along this article from <a href="http://www.beernet.com/">Beer Business Daily</a> -- and, given his affiliation, who could blame him?</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2011/11/BeerGraph2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-10049" height="150" src="http://blog.timesunion.com/dowdondrinks/files/2011/11/BeerGraph2-150x150.jpg" title="BeerGraph" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #f6b26b; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Spirits Taking Us for a Ride More Than You Think</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"Wine and particularly spirits have been kicking our tails. And they have done it by a systematic strategy of increasing its availability in accounts, by investing much more as a percentage of revenue than beer has in its marketing, in growing all of their price segments, in consistently and constantly coming out with new flavors, brands, and packages, and in creating a cocktail culture that appeals to a very broad base.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"That was the intuitive findings of Heineken USA (HUSA) chief Dolf van den Brink at the California Beer and Beverage Distributors annual convention yesterday.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"Dolf had sobering news for beer guys: Through HUSA's proprietary internal research, which he was good enough to share, he showed that we as an industry simply haven't kept up with wine and spirits, particularly when it comes to young Millenials, ethnics, and women. And until we rectify this disparity, it will be difficult to get beer growing no matter what the economy is doing.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"First, Dolf showed that wine and spirits' growth has come almost entirely through getting new drinkers entering the market at the 21-29 age. Over the last seven years, spirits has gained 4.1% of consumer penetration points in the 21-29 age group, coming ominously close to beer's penetration. But the really scary metric is the 2001-2011 percent change in the preferred drink:</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"For Millenials, beer is down 14% and spirits is up 13%. In other words, spirits have picked up nearly all of beer's slack. It's a direct trade off.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"Beer lost drinkers in all other age groups to spirits and wine as well, but it was most pronounced in young people. Since in the past young people drink beer and then switch to wine and spirits as they get older, this doesn't bode well, since they are already starting with cocktails. And don't get me started with African Americans. Beer penetration has lost 15 points of penetration while spirits has gained 15%.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"In the general market, beer has lost 8 points while spirits has gained 6. As for gender, beer has lost 13 points for males while spirits has gained 9, and with females spirits has gained 4 points while beer has lost 4 points. This metric, as Dolf said, is very indicative of&nbsp; "intent to purchase" and so is very distressing to see.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div><div style="padding-left: 30px;">"Across occasions, beer is now only the preferred drink in one occasion: pub/dining with food. In all other occasions, wine or spirits is the preferred drink. What's the world coming to?"</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><br /></div>There's a lot more, but you get the idea.<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/11/insider-research-beer-getting-its-butt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17114975.post-8735273910336227942Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:02:00 +00002011-11-11T12:04:37.369-08:00Tweeting office beer machine a hit<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfFJRKdTWBE/Tr18tfsLB7I/AAAAAAAAKkI/R8azSwI8kSg/s1600/Picture%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfFJRKdTWBE/Tr18tfsLB7I/AAAAAAAAKkI/R8azSwI8kSg/s320/Picture%2B1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ordering a beer from Arnie.</b></td></tr></tbody></table>BOSTON -- The advertising agency <a href="http://www.arn.com/">Arnold Worldwide</a> has an employee perk a lot of people would like to have in their workplace.<br /><br />It's called Barnold, an in-house bar where employees can socialize and share ideas.<br /><br />Recently, several employees decided to build on that idea by creating a beer vending machine stocked with agency-brewed and -themed beers that staffers 21 and older can access with a swipe of their key fobs.<br /><br />They call the machine Arnie, and have given him a touchscreen interface, temperature awareness and a Soundtube speaker.<br /><br />Arnie also talks, addressing the user by name recognized when the key fob swipe is made. Arnie's touchscreen also handles Twitter communication -- Arnie can tweet you -- and data such as how much beer was consumed each day of the week.<br /><br />In addition, there’s an "Alepedia" that provides information about six different beers the agency has created, including Arnold Pilsner. According to a spokesperson, the agency "also has experimented with a variety of ale styles, and will be able to brew beer styles specific to seasons, events, people and even clients."<br /><br /><i>To <a href="http://winenotebook.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Wine Notebook</a> latest entry.<br /><a href="http://spiritsnotebook.blogspot.com/">To Dowd's Spirits Notebook</a> latest entry.<br />To <a href="http://dowdtastingnotes.blogspot.com/">Dowd's Tasting Notes</a> latest entry.<br />Back to <a href="http://billdowd.com/">Dowd's Guides</a> home page.</i>http://brewsnotebook.blogspot.com/2011/11/tweeting-office-beer-machine-hit.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (William M. Dowd)0